HyperLocal News for Albuquerque, New Mexico

ABQ Biopark Zoo: Making a real effort toward conservationLions and tigers and elephants -- oh my! The ABQ Biopark Zoo in Albuquerque has all of those animals and many, many more.

Cliff's Amusement Park: Experience life to the fullest!A unique symphony of giggles, laughter and screaming greets the guests at Cliff's Amusement park as they walk through the entry gate into the realm of excitement. Kids, parents, teenagers and entire families quickly become immersed in the fun and let themselves experience the thrill of the roller coaster and scream as they plummet, or laugh and giggle as they anticipate the next ride.

Petroglyph National Monument: A place of natural beauty and historical significanceThe "warm breath of mother earth" can be seen on the west side of Albuquerque during the early morning when the sun is barely peeking over the top of the Sandia Mountains, according to the Native Americans from the Pueblo villages, and along the volcanoes that emit the "breath" is the largest documented concentration of petroglyphs in an urban area.

Unser Racing Museum: Greatest spectacle of history up closeRacing is in the blood for one Albuquerque family. Four generations of Unser family members have raced -- and won -- major car races, including Pikes Peak and nine times at the Indianapolis 500.

New Mexico Veterans Memorial: A place to relax and reflectRelax, and reflect! All the details -- from the type of flowers or trees, to the tables in the picnic area -- at the New Mexico Veterans' Memorial in Albuquerque were meticulously chosen to illustrate the military servicemembers' journey through our nation's wars and to allow veterans, their families, and others to reflect on their own personal experiences.

Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort and Spa: A short drive from town to enter a world of relaxationWith over 140 years of experience helping people relax and rejuvenate, Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Resort and Spa is still the only place in the world where visitors can chose from four different types of mineral waters to rejuvenate body and mind.

Roller Skate City: Old school skating to a new soundA new skating floor, new furniture, new bathrooms, new concession stand and, most exciting, a new light and sound system and a library of over 10,000 songs updated every other week, are all part of reviving the roller skating scene in Albuquerque as Roller Skate City enters its first summer in operation in Albuquerque.

New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum: Experience farming culture from yesterday and todayWith a mission of connecting the present generation to the history of farming and ranching in New Mexico, the New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum aspires to embed a deeper appreciation and understanding of the state's heritage.

Tingley Beach: Fish, trains and bicycles -- fun for allAlbuquerque's desert landscape offers a few surprises for entertainment. Amid the brown mountains and the tumbleweeds are well-stocked fishing ponds with pedal boats, an area reserved for remote control boats, a train ride and bicycle rentals for a shady ride alongside the Rio Grande River.

Sandia Peak Tramway: Most spectacular view of AlbuquerqueThe most breath-taking view of Albuquerque, and an unobstructed view of animals such as black bears and bobcats in their natural habitat, can be found while dangling 1,000 feet above the ground in a tramcar on the world's longest aerial tram ride.

O'Niell's Irish Pub: Where good food and good neighbors come togetherCommunity is key at the new O'Niell's Irish Pub on Juan Tabo -- from the building that was either built by the O'Niell family or used local craftsmen, to the 60 foot covered patio with water cascading down a brick wall and soon to be surrounded by comfortable couches, or the dog friendly patio where neighbors and their pets and dine together.

Albuquerque Studios: Bringing the movie industry to townLights! Camera! Action! Those words have been heard in New Mexico for many years. Movies such as Contact, City Slickers and even parts of Superman have all been filmed in New Mexico. The warm climate and diverse terrain have captured film-makers' attention for many years. The state capitalized on that love by offering a 25 percent tax rebate on everything purchased in New Mexico for filming and, as of 2007, it is even easier for filmmakers to enjoy the state's vast resources in the

Doctor On Call: Getting sick doesn't have to be a headache any moreGetting sick in today's world can be a pretty miserable experience. First, you are feverish, coughing and miserable. Then, the only way to get help most of the time is to drive yourself to an urgent care or emergency room and sit for hours in uncomfortable chairs with other sick people. John Vigil, MD. offers an alternative -- his staff will meet you at the office 24 hours a day or visit you in your home if you prefer.

Palms Trading Company: Affordable hand-made Native American artAuthentic colorful Kachinas, hand-woven rugs, intricately-detailed pottery and turquoise jewelry are among the many Native American items sold at wholesale prices at Palms Trading Company.

The Albuquerque Astronomical Society: Where enthusiasts gather to watch the real starsNot all of the fascinating shows this summer will take place in movie theaters. One will be right outside in the night sky -- and The Albuquerque Astronomical Society (TAAS) can help you see, understand and enjoy it.

Erda Gardens and Learning Center: Farm fresh produce all summer longEnjoy the crunch of a crisp, fresh cucumber or the sweetness of a soft, juicy tomato ripened in your garden? Afraid you might not have the room or the time to grow all the fresh fruits and vegetables for your family this summer, but cringing at the thought of store-bought produce? Now, you can enjoy all the perks of gardening, but not all the responsibility.

Masks y Mas: El Dia de los Muertos all year longStepping into Masks y Mas on Central Avenue will transport you out of the ordinary and into a glimpse of other lives--including the afterlife. Figurines and pictures of skeletons dressed in their finest clothes adorn the walls and countertops.

Now We're Cooking: Toys for the kitchen and lessons to bootA grater that is 1,000 times sharper than other graters, a garlic press that will mince fresh garlic without even taking off the peel … these and more still get Nancy Herring, co-owner of Now We're Cooking, excited after 19 years of owning the only independent kitchen store in Albuquerque.

Aquarium Overnight: Where the sharks peering at you are not only in your dreamsWhat if the sharks, eels and glowing jelly fish next to you while you sleep are not all in your dreams? How would you like to wake up and see the shark peering through the glass at you? Well, now you can at the sleepover events at the Albuquerque Aquarium.

Lavender in the Village Festival: Aromatic crafts and unique ediblesRelax! Celebrate summer away from the flurry of city life as you stroll through fields filled with aromatic lavender. Stop and pick a few choice spikes to take and infuse your home with the relaxing scent. Then, lounge by the pond at the Casa Rondeña Winery and sip on lavender flavored sangria or shop the many venders at the Growers' arts and craft fest during the upcoming Lavender in the Village Festival in the Village of Los Ranchos de Albuquerque.

Outdoor Recreation's Monster Adventure programs allow youth to climb to new heightsSummer is here! It is time to put away the school supplies and dust off the outdoor supplies. It is a time to climb to new heights and conquer old fears. The City of Albuquerque is prepared to help youth ages 11 to 17 do just that through the Outdoor Recreation program's Monster Adventures.

BMX 2010 Spring Nationals: Come watch Olympic contenders vying for the position on the teamAdrenaline will be pumping and crowds will be cheering as approximately 2,000 to 3,000 riders from all over the world compete in the upcoming Bicycle Motocross (BMX) Nationals in Albuquerque -- some hoping to secure their spot on the next Olympic team.

New Mexico Symphony Orchestra and Mother's Day at the ZooMothers of all types -- human and elephant -- can enjoy a day in the sun and the New Mexico Symphony Orchestra at the 37th annual Mother's Day concert at the Rio Grande Zoo.

22nd Annual Rio Grande Valley Celtic FestivalTransport yourself to the hilltops of Scotland, or perhaps an Irish castle for the day. Ok, so you cannot actually transport yourself physically, but close your eyes for a minute, listen to the lilting sound of the bagpipers at the 22nd Annual Rio Grande Valley Celtic Festival, to be held at the Balloon Fiesta Park, and imagine yourself there.

Popejoy Presents 2010 - 2011 seasonNext year's theater season has been announced and Popejoy Presents is once again offering the eclectic range of shows that keeps bringing audiences back year after year.

Albuquerque Wine Festival: Come taste why NM is becoming known for wineAward-winning wine, good music and a beautiful day. What better way is there to spend a weekend day or more than at the annual Albuquerque Wine Festival?

Girls Night Out: What could be better than pampering yourself to help others?Ladies, need a guilt-free Girls Night Out to indulge yourself? Looking for fun and indulgence with manicures, chocolates, massages and, let us not forget, a fashion show and, of course, SHOPPING?

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta: Woosh! Woosh!Whoosh! Whoosh! As the hot air balloon filled with riders floats through the air, the world is silent and still -- except for the occasional whoosh sound and burst of heat from the flame propelling the balloon higher. Across the horizon, the sky is speckled with over 700 hot air balloons during the largest balloon fiesta in the world.

WALK Albuquerque: Fitness and learning combineArchitecture, history and exercise combine with the WALK Albuquerque tours.

Deli-Berry: Sandwiches and yogurt combine for a perfect summer treatSandwiches topped with apple slices and refreshing frozen yogurt are paired up to create a delicious summertime meal at the new Deli-Berry restaurant in the Northeast Heights.

Perea's Restaurant: Where the red and green chili are bursting with flavorRed or green? Ask anyone in New Mexico those simple words and they know exactly what you are talking about -- chili! Now ask where is the best place for chili in Albuqeurque, and Perea's will certainly be among the top on the list.

St. James Tearoom: Where tea and conversation join to restore the soulIn today's fast-paced world of coffee and internet, one Albuquerque business encourages their patrons to slow down, relax, sip some tea and connect again. At the St. James Tearoom they believe that the whole culture of tea is diametrically opposite of our normal, hectic lifestyles.

Twisters: An economical twist on New Mexican foodTwisters offers families good New Mexican food at a fraction of the price of traditional sit-down restaurants – the perfect solution in today's economy.

Japanese Kitchen Sushi Bar: A custom-made dining experienceThe Japanese Kitchen in Uptown has added a new treat to its menu. Now, diners can enjoy a private dining area, a custom-made five, six or eight course creation by an authentic Japanese chef and personalized service with a visit from the chef, all part of the new Omakase formal cuisine.

Marrakech Restaurant: Bringing the unique taste of Morocco to AlbuquerqueSavory and sweet combine in the Marrakech Restaurant to create a unique taste for Albuquerque. The menu includes the more familiar Mediterranean cuisine to attract customers to the familiar, then engages their taste buds with a distinctive array of Moroccan recipes as well.

Slate Street Cafe: Where the business professionals go to unwindSoft jazz music, contemporary-style comfort food, and a wide variety of wines served in a wine loft reminiscent of San Francisco or Chicago is the perfect setting for the business professional to unwind after a long day at the office -- and Slate Street Cafe in Downtown Albuquerque provides all of that and more.

Shark Reef Cafe: Dine with sharks, turtles and moreDine next to five species of sharks, three species of turtles, rays, a porcupine puffer fish and more at the Shark Reef Cafe. The 285,000 gallon tank connects the Cafe to the Albuquerque Aquarium and is the high point of both locations.

Dagmar's Restaurant and Strudel House: Traditional German home cookingTraditional German Home Cooking – in Albuquerque! Over 55 varieties of strudel ($3.50 per slice), fresh, home-made spaetzle noodles with Jeagerschnitzel ($13.95) and, of course, bratwurst ($11.95) are among the favorites with the loyal customers at Dagmar's Restaurant and Strudel House.

St. Clair Winery and Bistro: Award-winning wines and a taste for everyoneWith over 60 different New Mexico grown wines - including award-winning wines - there is a wine for every palate at the St. Clair Winery and Bistro in Albuquerque.

Gardening to learnLettuce, herbs and other vegetables bring more meaning to the third graders at Bandelier Elementary School than just another food on their plates. For them, it is a source of learning, pride and joy.